MICHAEL Smith’s third goal in only his second game for Swindon earned his new club a point in their 1-1 draw at Walsall this evening.

The Geordie, signed from Charlton last week, struck mid-way through the second half to cancel out Romaine Sawyers’ first half opener for the Saddlers when he got ahead of his man to head home Darren Ward’s cross.

Walsall pushed for a winner in the closing stages as Town appeared happy to leave the West Midlands with a point, with Mark Cooper’s side holding firm to secure a hard-earned draw.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges with Febian Brandy, Craig Westcarr and Milan Lalkovic all having chances to give their side the lead, but they were never able to sufficiently worry keeper Wes Foderingham.

Town slowly worked their way into the contest, with Smith coming closest with a header which crept wide, but it was Walsall who took the lead when Sawyers connected with Westcarr’s through ball to slot home 10 minutes before the break.

Raphael Rossi Branco was lucky to survive penalty appeals in the opening moments of the second period as Town struggled to get going, but when Darren Ward chipped an overhit corner back into the box, Smith beat his man and was able to head home the equaliser.

Walsall were the more aggressive as time ticked on but a combination of missed chances, dogged defending and good goalkeeping from Foderingham earned a point.